Max Verstappen could be on the front row in Monaco without hindrance from Daniel Ricciardo, says Red Bull’s Helmut Marko.
The Dutchman secured third on the grid behind the two Silver Arrows and importantly ahead of Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari for Sunday’s race in Monte Carlo.
But his final lap in Q3 was compromised and Marko pointed the finger squarely at the former Red Bull driver.
“Max was trapped behind Daniel Ricciardo in his out-lap and was therefore unable to drive fast enough to get the temperature in the tyres,” he told Swiss broadcaster ORF. “As a result, he lost three tenths in the first sector on his flying lap.
“We had expected that we could get a place on the front row. We could have matched the time of Valtteri Bottas.
“Now overtaking is not possible unless something crazy happens and the two Mercedes can block the whole thing.”
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Verstappen though wasn’t too perturbed…
“Overall, I feel good in the car and we keep pushing hard to improve,” he said.
“It is of course hard to overtake here so it will be very challenging to move forwards in the race, but if we are able to stay close then who knows what can be done with strategy.
“Whatever happens, I will be pushing as hard as always for the best result.”
